Toyokuni III's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Toyokuni III's 1852 series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" pairs kabuki portraits with the stations along the famous Tokaido Road. Each design features a half-length figure in the foreground, with a border of clouds separating the actor from the landscape above. Interestingly, the title cartouche of each print is framed by different objects related to the kabuki character or play, including armor and weapons, household objects, flowers, horse equipment, and traveler's clothing and baggage. The large expressive characters are beautifully drawn and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the backgrounds.

The exact number of prints for the series is unclear, because two prints exist for some stations, and some intermediate stations are also included. Where there are two designs of the same subject, the background landscape continues across the two prints. This handsome series proved extremely popular when released, and remains a favorite of collectors today.

Kambara: Ichikawa Kuzo II as Kanae Tanigoro - Great portrait of the actor Ichikawa Danzo VI as Kanae Tanigoro from the play "Go Taiheiki Shiraishi Banashi." The young warrior seems alarmed, frowning with worry and throwing his hand out before him. He wears a pale yellow robe with a floral pattern, the background embossed with a textured pattern, over his armor. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail, the short hair on top forming a halo above his head. A terrific expressive image with fine line work in the hair and the bold figure dominating the page.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Backed with paper. A couple wormholes, repaired. Slight curling. Please see photos for details.